Ernakulam to get first adventure tourism site

KOCHI: The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is all set to develop Bhoothathankettu dam site into a base camp for Outdoor Adventure Tourism. The aim is to attract techies to conduct camps and experience adventure sports. The proposal for the first adventure tourism project is approved and initial work will begin soon.According to DTPC sources, the project targets techies to conduct training camps. “The project has just begun and Rs 50 lakh has been already approved. We are intending to develop the Boothathankeetu site ideally for camping and the adventure sports. The visitors will get an ideal experience of night camping and trekking. We will also form a Bhoothathankettu Management council to monitor the activities of the tourist centre” DTPC official said. The project will include a day long trip starting at the Marine Drive. The visitors can spend a day experiencing adventure sports like trekking and kayaking. This will be the first adventure tourism spot in the district.“Once the work is finished, the project will be a big hit. After the completion of the first phase of the project, it will be developed further. We will visit the spot next week and will conduct a study to examine what more can be done for tapping the full potential of Boothathankettu,” T N Jayashankar, DTPC secretary said.Bhoothathankettu has the potential of becoming one of the must-visit places in Kerala. As of now, owing to the lack of infrastructure, it is easily missed by the tourists. However, recently, the plans to develop Bhoothathankettu dam site seems to have finally acquired some direction and drive. Once you arrive at the Bhoothathankettu, located eight kms north-east of Kothamangalam, there are various activities for one to indulge in. A trip upriver on a houseboat, speedboat rides, a trek into the jungle, rock climbing, fishing. However, the upcoming project will be one of the highlights of the Kerala tourism map.